Northern Costa Brava Panoramic Road Itinerary
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Northern Costa Brava Panoramic Road! This 122 km route takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes, historical sites and beaches of Spain. Starting in the city of Figueres, you will travel through the towns of Castello d`Empuries and Cadaques. Along the way, you will be able to take in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the lush green hills of the region.
The best time to take this road trip is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the days are long. You will be able to take in the sights of the many historical sites, such as the ruins of the castle of Castello d`Empuries, as well as the stunning beaches of Cadaques. In addition, the road conditions are excellent, making it a safe and enjoyable drive.
This road trip is suitable for all drivers, as it can be managed with a moderate budget. With its picturesque scenery and rich cultural heritage, the Northern Costa Brava Panoramic Road is sure to leave you with lasting memories and an experience that you will never forget.
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number of days
122 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Figueres
Distance 122 km
Driving time 3.1 h
Pace: slow
28.1 kWh
Airports
GRO
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PGF
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Figueres, located in the province of Girona in the northeast of Spain, is the perfect starting point for the Northern Costa Brava Panoramic Road. An excursion to the Salvador Dalí Museum is a must, as it showcases an impressive collection of works from the surrealist artist. The Museu de l'Empordà, located in a former convent, is also worth a visit as it has a wide range of artifacts from the local area.
The closest international airport to Figueres is Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to begin your road trip. From the airport, you will drive north to Figueres and the Costa Brava, an area of incredible natural beauty with many quaint fishing villages, secluded bays, and stunning beaches.
On your journey, you will come across numerous historical sites and archaeological remains, such as the prehistoric sites of Ullastret and Empuries. As you drive, you will be surrounded by diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and vineyards.
As you continue along the Northern Costa Brava Panoramic Road, you will have the chance to explore some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. From the coves of Cala Montjoi to the stunningly peaceful beach of Platja d'Aro, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring.
Figueres is the perfect starting point for your road trip through the Northern Costa Brava. With its excellent transport links, car rentals, and world-famous attractions, it is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
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Figueres
- Castello d`Empuries
Distance 49 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: modest
12.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Figueres-Castello d'Empuries road trip! This scenic 49 km drive will take you less than two hours to complete, and you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees Mountains.
Start your journey in Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, and visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a world-renowned art museum that houses the largest collection of the artist’s works. Then, take a stroll around the old town and admire its medieval architecture.
As you drive along the winding roads of the Costa Brava, make sure to keep your eyes open for the charming fishing villages and stunning beaches. The narrow roads will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Catalonia.
When you reach Castello d'Empuries, you will be greeted by its medieval streets and old city walls. Visit the Church of Santa Maria, a 12th-century Gothic building, and the Santa Maria Castle, a former fortress that is now a museum.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Castello d`Empuries - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Castello d`Empuries
- Cadaqués
Distance 24 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: modest
6.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Castelló d'Empúries to Cadaqués? This 24 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and you will be mesmerized by the sights along the way. You will pass through some winding roads, and some sections of the road will be quite narrow. Be sure to keep your eyes open for historical sites and lush green scenery.
Once you arrive in Cadaqués, you will be able to explore the beautiful Mediterranean town. You can also find out more about the attractions, accommodation, restaurants and campsites along this route in the Itinerary. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to embark on this incredible journey!
Cadaqués - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive
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Cadaqués
- Figueres
Distance 48 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: slow
11.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a 48 km journey through the Costa Brava in Spain and discover the hidden gems of Cadaqués, El Port de la Selva and Figueres. This journey will take you less than 2 hours, and you will be able to witness the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the winding roads of the Costa Brava.
Start your journey in Cadaqués, the quaint fishing village that inspired the works of Salvador Dalí. Here, you can explore the cobblestone streets, the whitewashed buildings and the old fishing boats in the harbor.
Continue your journey to El Port de la Selva, a charming fishing village with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you can take a stroll along the harbor and visit the local shops, cafes and restaurants.
Finally, your journey ends in Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. Here, you can visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a surrealist building that houses many of Dalí’s works.
As you travel through these towns, be sure to keep an eye out for the historical sites, scenic roads, and winding roads. There is plenty to explore and discover along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Figueres - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Figueres
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Figueres, a beautiful city located in the Alt Empordà region of the Province of Girona, Catalonia in the northeast of Spain, is a great place to end your Northern Costa Brava Panoramic Road trip. Take a break from your long car journey and explore the sights and attractions of this wonderful city.
Start your visit with a trip to the Dalí Museum-Theatre, a museum dedicated to the works of surrealist artist Salvador Dalí and one of the most popular attractions in Figueres. Next, head to the Church of St. Peter, the oldest church in the city and the burial site of Figueres' patron saint.
Continue your visit with a stroll around the old town to explore the city's many squares and streets, including Plaça del Sol, Plaça de la Constitució, and Rambla de Figueres. Afterward, take a walk through the city's gardens and parks, such as the Parc de la Devesa and the Jardí dels Tarongers.
To round off your visit, enjoy a meal at one of Figueres' many restaurants or take a trip to the nearby towns of La Pera and Llançà. If you're traveling by air, the closest international airport is Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) located just 32 miles away.
Make Figueres the final destination of your Northern Costa Brava Panoramic Road trip and explore the sights and attractions of this wonderful city.
Figueres - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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Northern Costa Brava Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Figueres
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End:
Figueres
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Distance:
122 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Girona Airport (GRO),
Perpignan-Rivesaltes (Llabanère) Airport (PGF)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Northern Costa Brava Panoramic Road, stretching over 122 km of Spain's most stunning coastline. This route not only showcases the region's natural grandeur but also peppers your drive with culturally rich destinations and idyllic Mediterranean seaside towns. Starting from the Salvador Dalí's hometown of Figueres, the Road weaves through the medieval charm of Castello d'Empuries, and leads to the picturesque coves of Cadaques.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Figueres: Immerse yourself in the surreal world of Salvador Dalí at the Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum, where the artist's remains are also interred. This museum is a major highlight and is known as the largest surrealistic object in the world.
- Castello d'Empuries: Explore the remnants of a once-powerful county as you meander through its historic castle ruins and medieval architecture. The town's parish church of Santa María is also known as the `Cathedral of the Empordà` due to its size and grandeur.
- Cadaques: Revel in the charm of winding streets, white-washed houses, and serene beaches. Visit the Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat, a short distance from the town, where Dalí lived and worked for decades.
Best Time to Go:
The summer months offer warm weather and extended daylight, making it an ideal time for both sightseeing and soaking up the sun on the region's stunning beaches. Cadaques, in particular, is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant sea life, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Potential Risks:
The route is renowned for its excellent conditions, yet summer traffic and narrow, winding coastal Roads demand attention and careful driving. Parking in small towns can be challenging during peak tourist season, so plan ahead.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The drive is moderately budget-friendly, with a variety of accommodations available from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses.
- The Road is suitable for drivers of all experience levels, with well-maintained Roads and clear signage.
- The journey is steeped in cultural heritage, from ancient Greco-Roman ruins to the modernist legacy of Salvador Dalí, and offers an abundance of natural beauty with rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and panoramic sea views.
A good choice for:
Traversing the Northern Costa Brava Panoramic Road is a compelling adventure that promises not only the stunning vistas of the Mediterranean but also an intimate encounter with the cultural heartbeat of Catalonia. Whether you're a history buff, art enthusiast, or simply in search of the perfect beach, this coastal Road Trip is accessible, memorable, and rich with diverse experiences.